Growing up in the Pennsylvania Dutch country, we always had pumpkin pie,
and they always used these longneck pumpkins to make it. In fact,
growing longneck pumpkins was my first business, which I started when I
was in
grade school.

While the pumpkin theme is a common one, in teapot art, and we have seen
many versions, this is the first one that we have come across, in the
longneck variety. You might say that I am partial to longneck
pumpkins, but I certainly am partial to this teapot by Zhang Ji Da.

$

300cc

75.

Burl Gong Chun: zisha teapot by
Zhang Ji Da, Yixing, China

We have seen many teapots in tree themes, but we especially liked this
one. It is titled burl Gong Chun because it is made in the
basic shape of the Gong Chun teapot, the original teapot from the Ming
Dynasty. Then, it adds to that general character with detailed
carving to create the appearance of tree bark and stumps of trimmed
branches, giving it the look and feel of a burl.

What also sets it apart is the craftsmanship that has gone into the
continuation of the burl from the body to the tight-fitting lid whose
pull is a wood ear mushroom. The handle is made as a branch; the
detailed burling continues on the bottom.

Zhang Ji Da is an excellent artist who has studied teapot art, in
Yixing, and who also has a degree in ceramic art from Harvard.

$900

220cc

44.

Watermelon teapot (西瓜壶): original design by Zhang Ji Da, Yixing

Although teapot art, in the shape of fruits, is common, this is the
first watermelon theme that we have seen. The red decoration on
the surface and the tendrils, leaves and flower near the handle add to
its artistic appeal. The longer curved spout is classic Yixing
design that goes perfectly with its oblong watermelon shape.

We tend to like fruit themes in teapot art because the require some
level of skill to make those more complicated designs, and we thought
that this particular one was quite special.

$

300cc

99.

High Well (高井栏壶): teapot art by Zhang Ji Da, Yixing

While this original design teapot art has some classic Yixing elements,
in its spout and handle, the shape of the body reminds me of a classic
cookie jar.

The calligraphy on the side adds a special touch. It refers to the
feeling that one gets, sitting by the water on a cool summer evening,
drinking tea.

All in all, it is a sweet little teapot, and Zhang Ji Da is an expert
craftsman.

$

300cc

Bundle of Sticks, zisha teapot art by Zhang Ji Da, Yixing, China

Pumpkin, zisha teapot art by Zhang Ji Da, Yixing, China

Log Slice, zisha teaspot art by Zhang Jida, Yixing, China

Stone Dipper, zisha teapot art by Zhang Ji Da, Yixing, China

Hexagonal Ocean Drum, zisha teapot art by Zhang Jida, Yixing, China

This is an intricate teapot with graphic relief art on the panels.
the two brass handles with dragon heads add a very special touch.